Aosta Valley with Your Dog and Best Trails

What are the best easy trails in Aosta Valley?

You don't always need to tackle long climbs to enjoy the mountains. On some days, I chose short paths near towns, ideal when time is short but you don't want to miss a walk. Around Saint-Marcel, for example, I followed a trail that crosses shady woods and small streams, with the sound of water accompanying my steps. These places immediately convey peace, without the strain of significant elevation changes.

At other times, I stopped in areas like Vetan or Pila. Here, just twenty or thirty minutes of walking immerses you in open spaces, with views that make you forget the proximity to the valley floor. My dog could run free, sniffing the tracks of wild animals and stopping by the water. These were brief pauses, but truly refreshing.

What are the most beautiful winter hikes with a dog?

Winter in the mountains completely changes the rhythm of walks. With snow covering the meadows and white peaks silhouetted on the horizon, even the simplest paths become unforgettable experiences. In Cogne, for example, I followed a trail that crosses white, silent clearings, accessible even without snowshoes. Watching my dog run in the fresh snow, leaving paw prints that quickly disappeared, was one of the most beautiful moments of the trip.

In Courmayeur, I found more frequented trails, but the view of Mont Blanc and the clear air made even a short walk special. In winter, more attention is needed – to the temperature, ice, and the weather that can change suddenly – but the landscape always rewards the efforts.

What is the history of the Gran San Bernardo Pass?

A place that particularly struck me was the Gran San Bernardo Pass. The road that climbs from Aosta seems to lead to another time: winding turns that follow one another, meadows giving way to rocks, until reaching the lake that marks the border with Switzerland. Walking around the hospice meant immersing myself in a centuries-old history, linked to the monks and the famous Saint Bernard dogs. The view of the surrounding mountains is vast, and on clearer days, the feeling is that of being on a threshold connecting different worlds.

Where are the Rutor Waterfalls and how to get there?

Another hike I will remember for a long time was to the Rutor Waterfalls, above La Thuile. I left the car at La Joux and from there began the ascent. The trail gradually climbs, but the sound of water becomes increasingly intense as you approach. There are three viewpoints that allow you to admire the waterfall from different angles. Each time, the water appears more powerful, rushing down between the rocks. My dog refreshed himself in the small streams crossing the path. The hike is not short, but the woods and the accompanying water make the experience enjoyable from start to finish.

What gastronomic traditions should you discover in Aosta Valley?

Between hikes, I also stopped to experience a moment related to gastronomic tradition. In a mountain hut, I witnessed the preparation of polenta in a copper pot, with spring water boiling, yellow flour poured slowly, and continuous stirring with a wooden stick. Every gesture seemed to repeat an ancient ritual passed down through generations. A curious detail I learned is the addition of a bit of cold water before incorporating the flour, to make the polenta softer. Sitting by the fire, with my dog resting nearby, I perceived polenta not just as a dish, but as a moment of community and sharing.

What are the rules for bringing dogs to the Gran Paradiso Park?

While exploring the region, I also learned to pay attention to the rules. In the Gran Paradiso National Park, for example, dogs are not allowed, even on a leash. To continue walking without issues, I chose alternative areas just outside the park boundaries, where dogs are allowed without restrictions. These rules serve to protect local wildlife, and it is important to respect them to avoid disturbing the animals living freely. Knowing where it is possible to go and where not makes the experience more serene and allows for mindful movement.

What does Etroubles offer as a dog-friendly village?

Descending from the pass, I stopped in Etroubles, a village that still retains an authentic atmosphere. The stone houses, flowered balconies, and cobbled streets create a welcoming and relaxing context. Walking through the streets was a moment different from mountain hikes: slower, more intimate. The air smelled of freshly baked bread, and the impression was that of being in a suspended place, halfway between Italy and Switzerland.

What are the Palasinaz lakes and how to get there?

One of the most beautiful walks was to the Palasinaz Lakes, above Brusson. I started the path from Estoul, among green meadows and wide panoramas. The ascent is gradual but leads to a series of alpine lakes, each with its personality. The first lake, with its turquoise color, is already a satisfying destination. But continuing, you encounter other bodies of water framed by rocks and meadows. My dog ran back and forth, stopping to drink in the streams. It is a hike that allows you to choose how much to walk, depending on your energy and time available.

Where is the Bivacco Rossi Volante and what does it offer?

On another day, I reached the Bivacco Rossi Volante, a small red building that stands out among the mountains. The ascent is more challenging than other itineraries, but reaching there and finding that solitary refuge gives a unique sense of achievement. Inside, there is only the essential: tables, benches, and a few bunks. The atmosphere is that of a spartan but authentic resting point, designed for those who love the mountains without frills. I shared a simple meal with my dog lying beside me, and it was one of the most intense moments of the trip.

What are the best tips for hiking in Aosta Valley with a dog?

What to bring: foldable water bowl, spare leash, first aid kit for the dog, biodegradable bags. Best periods: spring-summer (May-October) for most trails, winter (December-March) for snow walks. Recommended areas for dogs: Courmayeur: dog-friendly tourist trails, Cogne: winter and summer walks, Val Ferret: paths along the streams, Brusson: easily accessible alpine lakes.

What makes Aosta Valley a dog-friendly trip?

In just a few days, I alternated short walks with more challenging hikes, experienced cultural moments, and tasted traditional dishes. Each experience had a different value: the silence of alpine lakes, the roar of waterfalls, the slowness of a village, the polenta cooked in the pot. Aosta Valley appeared to me as a mosaic of landscapes and traditions, to be experienced step by step with my dog, with the certainty of always finding a suitable path for us.